The Portland daily press., 1887-04-01
AN OLD CASE REVIVED.
Argument on an Indictment Thirty
Three Years Old.

New YORK, March 31.-An argument will
be heard tomorrow in the court of general
sessions on the application of Lawyer Hart
of San Francisco to quash the 33-yeary old
indictment for forgery hanging over the head
of Kissane, who is said to be millionaire
railroad director of San Francisco, and to
occupy prominent business and social po-
stion at Golden Gate. Kissane's identity
might have continued unknown for an in
definite period to people of San Francisco,
except for his anxiety to get this old indict-
ment out OF the way. The presentment of
the grand jury MADE ON Nov. IA, 1854, to
which the counsel desire to enter a nolle
prosequi, it is said has practically been dead
for years.
1T was generally believed that when Kis.
sane was sent to Sing Sing, in March, 1855,
his sentence OF two and half years covered
the two indictments against him, but Kissane
Is reported to have been threatened with ex-
posure by an old play-fellow, whose family
he wronged. The former had lived for
an assumed name, and might have continued
to do so. perhaps, had he repaired his old
wrong. When all the facts about Kissane
come out, as now seems probable the papers
Will have genuine sensation.
President Willard OF the Chemical National
Bank said to reporter: His history is one
Of the most remarkable | have ever heard.
Once a companion of the most noted GRIM
inals of this city and guilty of numerous
crimes himself, he is at present living in lux
ury in San Francisco. The bank will oppose
the motion Of the counsel to have the indict-
ment dropped. 1t is pretended that he has
made good all the money he obtained from
the bank, but it is not true and that is the
very reason why the case will not be drop
ped. Some months ago Kissane opened COM
hi -.
to have us withdraw our opposition. Until
that time we had no idea what had become
of him, Now we shall insiStup0n the return
of the money due us. Kissane's forgeries
created tremendous sensation in New York.
His trial made more of sensation for those
days than even the ''boodle" aldermen trials
now.
host of "reminiscences are recalled re-
garding KissaDe, who was known to the pO-
lice and criminal court officials of thirty
years ago as one of the most noted criminals
of that day. John Sparks, the veteran clerk
of the General Sessions. who has been con-
nected with the court for nearly forty years.
remembers kiSSane we'll A memorable
scene occurred when Kissane was taken be-
fore Recorder Tillon for sentence. Kissane
and his companion, Lyman Cole. were dan
gerous forgers, and several banks had lost
large sums by their forgeries. The recorder
had made up his mind to sentence KiSsane
to five years in the State Prison. The pris-
oner was called to the bar and the usual for
NAL question was put to him:
What have you to say why Judgment
should not be pronounced against you ac-
cording to law?"
kissane was then young; he had received
a good education and was remarkably bright
lie rose and began an impassioned address
to the recorder. He told of his careful train.
ing at home, said that he had been educated
TO do right. but had been led astray upon
coming to this city and had been concerned
in the commission of some of these acts. He
said that it was his first crime and that he
would never be guilty of another. He spoke
so feelingly that his hearers were convinced
OF his sincerity, and the recorder changed
his purpose and sentenced Kissane to impris.
Onment for only two years and six months.
General Francis Darr, who says that he
recognizes Kisane in the person of a wei
known and wealthy resident of San Fran.
cisco, was well known in New York until a
lie has written several letters to New York
in reference to the matter. He remembers
William Kissane because he and Kissane
when they were boys, lived in the same towr
near Cincinnati. Their fathers were en-
gagged in the same businesS-the preparation
of kind of oil. Kissane was known as
rather Wild young man. The factory owned
by the elder Darr was burned one night, anC
as there was little insurance on it the loss
was great and the Darr family were finan
time. Young Kissane was seen near th,
building shortly before it was burned, an(
from thesrivalry between the families anC
other facts he was suspected of setting tn,
place on fire, and General Darr has retained
an enmity based on that suspicion. Genera
Darr is graduate of West Point and served
in the war of the Rebellion. He has been
civil engineer and has also been engaged in
business similar to that of his father.
The Chemical National Bank is one of til,
banks which lost several thousand dollars b,
the operations of the gang of forgers O
which kissane and Lyman Cole were tn
most noted members. The officers of tn
bank have received letters from. Genera
| Darr and they know the name under which
| it is alleged, Kissane is now living in Sai
| Francisco. One of the officers of the bank
| Mr.. Parsons, was the paying teller in 1854
| and he paid the forged check by which tn
| bank was defrauded He has said that h
would know Kissane anywhere and unde
any disguise. Neither Mr.. Parsons nor tn
| other officers of the bank were willing /.
| give the name under which Kissane, accord
| ing to the statements of General Darr,
| now living.
| Among the Offences in which it was be
| lieyed by some persons many years ago tina
| Kissane had part was the burning of tn
| steamer Martha Washington on the Obi
river. The steamer was loaded with boxe
that were represented as containing valuabl
| goods, but which really contained little tina
was of value. The steamer and cargo wer
| insured for large amount and after tn
steamer had begun its trip fire broke ou
| MANY passengers lost their lives and the al
fair caused great excitement, especially whe
| ii was believed that the steamer was delibel
| afalv eat on fire.